Islanders-Rangers Preview

Mar 24, 2010 - 3:53 AM
By NICOLINO DIBENEDETTO
STATS Writer

New York (29-33-10) at New York (31-32-9), 7:00 p.m. EDT

A poor record at Madison Square Garden could be what eventually
keeps the New York Rangers from reaching the playoffs for the
first time in six years. They may be glad not to have too many
games remaining on home ice.

Ahead of their longest road trip of the season, the Rangers will
try to win for just the second time in six games at MSG on
Wednesday night when they face the New York Islanders, who are
also fading in the playoff chase.

The Rangers (31-32-9) own the worst home record in the Eastern
Conference at 15-17-6 - a big reason why they're tied with
Florida for 10th in the conference and seven points behind
Boston for the eighth and final playoff position with 10
regular-season games left.

Of those contests, only three will be played at home. The
Rangers will open a six-game road trip at New Jersey on
Thursday.

On top of their poor play at MSG, the Rangers' power play also
is sputtering, converting 1 of 16 chances during their
three-game losing streak. They went 0 for 6 with the man
advantage Sunday in a 2-1 road loss to the Bruins.

"Our power play is so important," left wing Vinny Prospal told
the Rangers' official Web site. "I mean, special teams win
games. We haven't been getting the power play goals we have
needed recently. That has to change."

Marian Gaborik has been the Rangers' best player this season,
and they need him to rediscover his scoring touch.

Gaborik is tied for third in the league with 14 man-advantage
goals, but has only two in 34 games since a 5-2 win over the
Islanders on Dec. 17.

He leads the club with 37 goals and 76 points, but has only two
goals and five assists in eight games after the Olympic break.
Gaborik also has been held without a point in five of those
contests, and in two matchups at home with the Islanders in
2009-10.

The Rangers' Ryan Callahan may not be available after leaving in
the second period Sunday with an injured right leg. Callahan is
second to Gaborik with 19 goals and nine on the power play.

"If there is a way for me to be out there then I am going to be
out there," said Callahan, who has two goals and three assists
in the last two games against the Islanders. "I want to help
this team and do everything I can to help us move on here and
get some wins."

The Rangers have dropped three of four to their longtime
division rivals, falling 3-2 in overtime in the most recent
matchup on Dec. 26 at MSG.

The Islanders (29-33-10) haven't been to the postseason since
2007, and trailing the Bruins by 10 points with 10 to play might
be too much to overcome.

Looking to break even in the finale of a four-game swing, the
Islanders also will try to win for just the second time in 12
road games after losing 1-0 to Los Angeles on Saturday.

"We had some glorious opportunities, but they got the best of
us," forward Matt Moulson said.

John Tavares will try to help the Islanders rebound. The top
overall pick in last season's draft was named the league's
second star of week Monday after totaling three goals and four
assists in the first two games of the road trip.

Tavares' only goal in four games against the Rangers came in a
3-1 victory at MSG on Oct. 28.